The group formed out of a jam session in San Francisco in December 2003 which featured John Popper of Blues Traveler, Rob Wasserman of Ratdog, and DJ Logic.
The lineup of the Project is John Popper on harmonica and vocals, DJ Logic on turntables, Tad Kinchla on bass guitar, and Marcus Bleecker on drums.
The group released a self-titled album in October 2006 and performs concerts during breaks in Blues Traveler's touring schedule. The band has performed with guest musicians from jazz and jam bands, including Branford Marsalis, Warren Haynes, and Col. Bruce Hampton.
Show Me
The John Popper Project Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slick walls enclosing hope
Show me the gates to paradise
Could be the same building
Depending which way you walk
Show me which way to go
Show me that picture
Show me when I was really happy
And everything was perfect
Show me that memory, always
Paints a rosy picture
You only show me how you show me
And it shows
Show me what I'm dying to see
Show it to me eagerly
I ain't from Missouri, I'm from misery
So show me how to set me free
Show the writing on the wall
Show the calm before the squall
Show me when I move in close
How your eyes begin to close
Show me the door, show me the street
Show me the endings incomplete
Show to me the sun and sea
There's so much that you show to me
Show me
Show me
The song Show Me by The John Popper Project is a poetic representation of the human need to seek guidance and direction to navigate through the ups and downs of life. The lyrics first describe the contrasting visions of a prison and paradise, both existing in the same building, depending on the direction we choose to take. The metaphorical use of the prison and paradise symbolize the idea that the outcomes of our decisions and actions are not set in stone, and there is always a choice that can lead us towards our desired outcome.
The lyrics then shift to a focus on memories and how they shape our perception of reality. The lines "Show me that picture of that time in that place, show me when I was really happy and everything was perfect" express a desire to relive the past happiness and perfection. However, the following lines "You only show me how you show me, and it shows" bring attention to the idea that memories are selective and their interpretation is subjective. The lyrics emphasize that the reality we experience is often shaped by our own mind's perception and interpretation of things.
In the final part of the song, the lyrics urge to be shown how to break free from the grasp of misery, and dive into the unknown. This indicates a longing for new beginnings, a need to move from the present situation towards something different, as shown in the line "Show me what I'm dying to see, show it to me eagerly." The song's overall message is that in order to grow and evolve, one needs to explore new directions, break free from habits and expectations, and embrace new possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Show me how a prison gets made
Demonstrate the process of creating confinement, enclosing any possibilities for escape
Slick walls enclosing hope
The walls of a prison that lead nowhere, enclosing the dreams and aspirations of the prisoner
Show me the gates to paradise
Reveal the entryway to an imagined haven or sanctuary
Could be the same building
The desired destination could reside in the same place as the inescapable trap
Depending which way you walk
Two opposing directions with drastically different outcomes
Show me which way to go
Provide a clear direction towards a positive outcome
Show me that picture
Display a snapshot of a moment in the past
Of that time in that place
Recall a specific event and location
Show me when I was really happy
Illustrate a time that brought joy and contentment
And everything was perfect
The feeling of everything being right in the world
Show me that memory, always
Evoke a recollection of the past that is always remembered fondly
Paints a rosy picture
Idealizes the memory to make it appear better than it may have been
You only show me how you show me
The presented memory is subjective and could differ from another's interpretation
And it shows
The way in which something is presented can affect its meaning
Show me what I'm dying to see
Display what is intensely desired
Show it to me eagerly
Present the desired vision with great enthusiasm
I ain't from Missouri, I'm from misery
I am not skeptical but instead come from a place of hardship and suffering
So show me how to set me free
Provide guidance on how to escape an unpleasant situation
Show the writing on the wall
Display the unmistakable warning signs
Show the calm before the squall
Depict the peaceful period before a tumultuous event
Show me when I move in close
Illustrate how things change as one gets closer to a certain situation
How your eyes begin to close
The gradual loss of awareness and comprehension
Show me the door, show me the street
Provide access to an exit or escape route
Show me the endings incomplete
Reveal the uncertain outcome that remains to be determined
Show to me the sun and sea
Display the beauty and awe of the natural world
There's so much that you show to me
The immense amount of information and experiences one can gain from being shown
Show me
Request for something to be presented or displayed
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN C. POPPER, LEE JASON KIBLER, MARCUS JOHN BLEEKER, TAD KINCHLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind